Buzz into Spring

Over the last two months, I’ve been saying that spring is on the way, if not already here. In fact, last month I titled this piece “Welcoming Spring,” and I wrote about how icicles were melting outside my window as I typed—and the very next day, we got a snowstorm. I feel like I’m to blame for that—sorry!

It is so hard to predict when spring will arrive—and stay—on the North Shore. However, it’s May, which means spring should be here for good now, right? Let’s hope so. Either way, this issue is all about plants, because sooner rather than later, the grass and leaves will be turning green, flowers will bloom, and gardens will be tilled. I know I can’t wait to dig into my flower beds and start planting.

Let’s start with our first feature story, where Dana Johnson breaks down everything you need to know about gardening in the Northwoods. From what to plant, how to plant, and planting for the future, to hardiness zones and climate change, and ecoregions and native planting, Johnson has all the information you need.

In Along the Shore, Anne Graybeal introduces us to Alisa Berns, owner of Taproot Landscaping in Grand Marais. Berns works with numerous businesses and clients and will be working on a project for the Grand Marais Art Colony this summer. Also in Along the Shore, Naomi Yaeger takes us across the border with Rooted in Healing, a small Thunder Bay herbal business owned by Gwen McCrone.

Next up is our Creative Space column, where Rae Poynter interviews rosemaler and painter Tara Austin, whose work is rooted in nature. Austin’s work is grounded in the Gudbrandsdal style of rosemaling, which is characterized by the acanthus leaf. She can be found teaching rosemaling classes at places like the North House Folk School—including a class on rosemaling 10 different plants of the boreal forest.

Of course, not everything in the issue revolves around the theme. In fact, Kalli Hawkins provides us with an Along the Shore story on the Anderson family in Grand Marais and their creative vacation tradition: Whichever U.S. state quarter appears most in their coin jar becomes their summer vacation destination. This year’s destination is Texas. Their goal is to eventually visit all 50 states.

Erin Altemus writes a feature story on how beavers build a more resilient ecosystem—helping with flood mitigation, preventing droughts, and creating species diversity. She’s also got some pretty neat facts sprinkled within the story—did you know a beaver can stay underwater for up to 20 minutes at a time?

There’s more to unpack, but I won’t give it all away. And in between reading stories, be sure to welcome back spring, again.—Breana Johnson